1. To what extent is truth different in mathematics, the arts and ethics?
2. Examine the ways empirical evidence should be used to make progress in different areas of
knowledge.
3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative data in supporting knowledge
claims in the human sciences and at least one other area of knowledge.
4. How can the different ways of knowing help us to distinguish between something that is true and
something that is believed to be true?
5. “What separates science from all other human activities is its belief in the provisional nature of all
conclusions” (Michael Shermer, www.edge.com). Critically evaluate this way of distinguishing the
sciences from other areas of knowledge.
6. All knowledge claims should be open to rational criticism. On what grounds and to what extent would
you agree with this assertion?
7. “We see and understand things not as they are but as we are.” Discuss this claim in relation to at least
two ways of knowing.
8. “People need to believe that order can be glimpsed in the chaos of events" (adapted from John Gray,
Heresies, 2004). In what ways and to what extent would you say this claim is relevant in at least two
areas of knowledge?
9. Discuss the claim that some areas of knowledge are discovered and others are invented.
10. What similarities and differences are there between historical and scientific explanations?

(Original post by Mr. Shiver)
5. “What separates science from all other human activities is its belief in the provisional nature of all
conclusions” (Michael Shermer, www.edge.com). Critically evaluate this way of distinguishing the
sciences from other areas of knowledge.

that should be www.edge.org i have chosen this topic and apart from my EE, this is the sole essay i enjoy writing. i hate those world.lits!!

(Original post by Mr. Shiver)
You may 2010 kids are lucky. We '08-'09ers have pretty crappy titles in comparison.

i think so. they say in our school nearly all of the 09ers chose the same subject.

I'm also doing number 10 !!... but I don't understand exactly what is meant by "explanations" ... and is it possible to use personal examples with this topic (science? history?) because I've been told that these ones are more valuable than globally established examples ... I have to submit it by MONDAY ... anyone can help me ??